This might be a stupid question, but I'm curious about the difference.

If running a signal line to several active speakers, where one of them is powered from a different outlet with a different ground potential. Is there a difference in using a galvanic isolation between all three XLR-pins and just "lifting" pin 1? on the signal feeding the speaker on a different ground potential relative to the ground potential to where the signal originates from?

This might be a stupid question, but I'm curious about the difference.

If running a signal line to several active speakers, where one of them is powered from a different outlet with a different ground potential. Is there a difference in using a galvanic isolation between all three XLR-pins and just "lifting" pin 1? on the signal feeding the speaker on a different ground potential relative to the ground potential to where the signal originates from?

Depends on the input. if it is transformer isolated no problem. It is much more likely that you will need to have an isolation transformer in the line.

Thanks, but I feel it didn't answer my question regarding what "answer I seek", the difference between a 3p iso and just a pin one iso.

A transformer is a 2 pin iso. Lifting pin 1 just disconnects the ground but if your equipment is NOT transformer isolated, pin 1 does not really isolate it, particularly if it is and electrally balanced I/O.

This might be a stupid question, but I'm curious about the difference.

perhaps... do you have a problem?

Quote

If running a signal line to several active speakers, where one of them is powered from a different outlet with a different ground potential. Is there a difference in using a galvanic isolation between all three XLR-pins and just "lifting" pin 1? on the signal feeding the speaker on a different ground potential relative to the ground potential to where the signal originates from?

If the active speakers have a well designed input there will be no difference, if they don't the answer is not to float the ground (pin 1), but maybe see if the speakers float in the canal out back.

perhaps... do you have a problem? If the active speakers have a well designed input there will be no difference, if they don't the answer is not to float the ground (pin 1), but maybe see if the speakers float in the canal out back.

JR

OK, let's assume that we've got balanced in/out, and they are well-isolated, so there's no impact on the audio. If there is voltage potential between the two grounds -- "pin 1" -- could you conceivably get a current flowing on the shield? What is the likely current? Could it be high enough to lead to undesirable heating of the shield?

OK, let's assume that we've got balanced in/out, and they are well-isolated, so there's no impact on the audio. If there is voltage potential between the two grounds -- "pin 1" -- could you conceivably get a current flowing on the shield? What is the likely current? Could it be high enough to lead to undesirable heating of the shield?

sure... mike probably has pictures of melted stuff over in the power forum from rogue ground currents.

OK, let's assume that we've got balanced in/out, and they are well-isolated, so there's no impact on the audio. If there is voltage potential between the two grounds -- "pin 1" -- could you conceivably get a current flowing on the shield? What is the likely current? Could it be high enough to lead to undesirable heating of the shield?

My point being that there may be reasons other than sound quality to isolate or lift pin 1.